What does a music director do?

A music director has a healthy interest in and curiosity about the best contemporary music and composers, and he should be bold enough to embrace innovation when needed.

Judge

A music director plays an active role in the audition process through which vacancies in the ranks are filled.

Therapist

A music director is a sounding board for the suggestions, problems and gripes of his musicians, and the orchestra administration operates per his directives.

Accountant

A music director is sensitive to the economics of the orchestra business, nationally as well as locally. This is particularly true in a time when society is marginalizing classical music and audiences are on the decline in some quarters.

Salesman

A music director maintains an active presence in the community. By doing so he helps spread the message that classical music is for everyone, not just the privileged few. Taking part in fundraising and connecting with the community at large are ways a music director can help create a buzz around the orchestra, which can lead to more widespread public and donor support and a healthier bottom line.

Teacher

A music director is a music teacher, whether that takes the form of lecturing or writing program notes or taking part in outreach efforts such as Riccardo Muti is planning to do on behalf of local disadvantaged and incarcerated youth. There are many lessons a music director can impart, but the overriding lesson, as Muti has said, is that "music helps people be better members of society."

Visionary

Finally, a music director is — or can be — the central cultural leader, spokesman and symbol for his city. His vision, standards, convictions and actions can point the way for other directors of other organizations as they, too, confront the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the performing arts. It's a demanding and far-reaching job.